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From the ledges that rest over the sleepy River Seine in Paris, to the ambrosial lavender fields of Provence, to the sun-drenched, turquoise seas of Nice, France is truly a deletable melange of flavors, scents and vistas packed into one sassy European country. There are several magnificent regions worth exploring while traversing France's countryside, coastline and cities where you can contemplate Van Gogh, savor a flaky croissant and tour the Royal Château de Blois.

Paris

In the City of Light, a complex love affair between art, food and fashion lures more than 70 million visitors to Paris' gleaming attractions each year. Choosing a few things to see and do among the myriad possibilities can be daunting, but planning a visit to The Louvre --- reserve your tickets beforehand to avoid waiting on long lines -- and the sculpture-lined Jardin des Tuileries is a must. Later, laze around the banks of the Seine, then wander over to the Musée d'Orsay> End the day's rendezvouses with a stroll to the Eiffel Tower and a delicious meal in St-Germain des Prés.

Provence

To understand what inspired Van Gogh and Picasso, explore the overflowing fields of flowers, medieval mansions and feudal palaces of Provence. Stop in Avignon to admire the Palace of the Popes and linger over a cafe au lait at one of Aix-en-Provence's many enchanting cafes. The sullied, mysterious, and modernized port of Marseille offers hip villages, pretty beaches and nearby isles for visitors to explore. A brief stay in Nîmes will reveal the splendid grandeur of the Pont du Gard aqueduct and the Maison Carrée temple.

The Riviera

The sandy and shingled beaches of the French Riviera are not the world's most beautiful, but they carry the same chic demeanor that seems to resonate all throughout France. Stretching from Menton on the Italian frontier down to Saint-Tropez, this chichi coast is lined with the fabulous beach destination spots of Monaco, Antibes, Nice, and Cannes. Many of these towns -- or principalities, in the case of Monaco -- boast charming villages, modern-art museums, tantalizing, local cuisine and exciting nightlife.

Normandy

For scenic pastures, Gothic architecture and family friendly attractions that promise insightful history lessons, Normandy is the perfect place to take an armchair tour back in time. The invasion of June 6, 1944, brought Normandy to its knees. Today, many visitors come to to see the old cathedral in Rouen, and the Conqueror's seat of government, the Bayeux tapestry and D-Day landing beaches around Caen.

The Loire Valley

The Loire Valley is a masterpiece of epic landscapes coated with storybook castles, ambrosial vineyards, verdant forests and cerulean rivers. One of France's true gems, this region is noted for its stunning medieval architecture and enchanting little towns. Amboise, perhaps the most fascinating of the towns, is noted for the Clos Lucé manor house, where Leonardo da Vinci lived at the end of his life. To authentically experience the Loire, tour the region by bicycle -- it's the best way to absorb this technicolor wonderland.

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About the Author

Since 2002, Maria Russo worked in print and broadcast media at companies such as MTV Networks, "People" magazine, "Harper's Bazaar" and WOR AM. She has a Bachelor of Arts in print journalism from American University.